Cora and Sean's Mount Juliet Wedding by Aidan Oliver Photography

Cora and Sean are the perfect couple, and are honestly one of the most genuinely happy couples I have met in a long while. You'll see in the photos as you pan down the wedding collection. They were married in the postcard picturesque village of Inistioge, Kilkenny last October on a beautiful crisp Autumn day. Inistioge (the jewel of the west) is nestled in the Nore valley in which the river Nore winds an almost semicircle from Ballyduff to Woodstock and is surrounded by magical woodland and walks that take hours to complete, or you could just pop into the Woodstock Arm's, then O'Donnell's pub for a, (ahem!), coffee or latte. Woodstock Gardens and Arboretum, up the hill on the right is listed in Georgina Campbell's Ireland guide. You have many choices upon entering Inistioge, interesting ones, adventurous ones. 

The couple held their ceremony in Saint Columcille's Church in the village, literally side by side with St Mary's Church. Cora had asked for a shot of the empty church, i.e., before guests arrived and I always find solace in sussing out a venue pre arrival of the wedding party - it helps to create the framework in my mind for each and every individual wedding story. After a coffee in the quaint "circle of friends" cafe off I drove to Mount Juliet to meet the groom. Sean had stayed the night in Mount Juliet and was chatting to his Dad when I arrived. I captured a few photos of the Manor House and the groom with his Mum and Dad and headed off to Maidenhill, Kilkenny to meet the bride. 

Cora was as relaxed as can be and there was plenty to see and photograph so I watched and observed, took some time out to grab a few detail shots not forgetting to mention that her red dress was absolutely stunning, even more beautiful on Cora than I envisioned as it waited patiently upstairs. So unusual to see a bride move away from the norm, so refreshing. I wished them the best and headed back to Inistioge (yes, the miles were clocking up well!) to get guests arriving and see the lie of the land. There was plently of banter and Sean was enjoying being pulled left and right by his neices and nephews - they were as excited about the wedding as Sean. Cora arrived and most guests were settled in the church so a few adjustments (bride adjusting drivers necktie) and we were off. 

Ceremony over we grabbed some family shots in the village and then some relaxed couple shots agains the varied backgrounds in Inistioge. Back in the car we all headed to Mount Juliet where we took a few couple shots at the walled garden then they were chauffeured off back to the Manor as requested, and to enjoy the celebrations, the canapés and the people gathered. Spending time with their guests was a prerequisite and I just knew we had some lovely shots in the bag. I spent some time moving around watching guests engage in conversation and capturing this emotion. Speeches were pre-dinner and in the Manor House, the stairs providing the perfect arched podium for some very funny anecdotes. Dinner was called and guests took a stroll in the evening sunshine up to Kendals restaraunt. This is where the guests were treated to a real surprise with the food - it was a mixture of Moroccan, Italian and Irish food, cooked at stations, both laid out and also served to guests - the smells were enticing. You chose what you wanted, spoke to other guests regarding what they are getting and what might tickle your fancy. You could feel the energy in the room, people were excited about what to try next, and there was a giddy anticipation for more. There was of course a star dish, it being a succulent minature beef wellington that people kept going back for. I captured the atmosphere of this very personalised and entirely unique meal and headed back to Dublin. Cora did surprise me with a doggie bag of goodies for my trip home. I thanked them both for being such wonderful people.

I do wish Cora and Sean the very best for their future together they were made for each other.

Suppliers:

Photos: Aidan Oliver Photography

Venue: Mount Juliet

Dress: Miriam Rice

Grooms Suit: Louis Copeland

Makeup: Sarah Bateman

Hair: Antons hair Saloon

Church Flowers: Soah Flowers

Jennifer and Scott's Intimate Spring Wedding at the National Gallery

I was contacted by Jennifer early this year (February to be exact) to see if I was interested in photographing both herself and hubby to be Scott's wedding on the 31st March. I replied sending back relevant information, including links to real weddings and the next email I received was to see if I could be booked - always a pleasure to be booked so early and on the strength of images and a brief written response. Five weeks later Jennifer, Scott, Mum and Dad and Jennifer's two daughters arrived all the way from Salt Lake City, Utah and the stage was set for an intimate wedding in the National Gallery - a first for me to have photographed there so you can just imagine, I was very excited. 

As a photographer I get to see and photograph many old buildings and the National Gallery being a first, the Hone room in particular, overlooking the junction of Clare street, Lincoln Place and Leinster Street South, presented itself exactly as I would have envisaged a fashionable Georgian building of its time. 

The ceremony was conducted by Rev Ann Cannon an interfaith minister based in Dublin. This involved presenting gifts, hand binding, eating bread and some words - little rituals that help us connect, help us celebrate, help us understand. There were tears of joy, tears of remembrance.

We listened to a reading from John O'Donohue's 'Benedictus'. It went like this:

"As Spring Unfolds the dream of the earth,                                                                                                     May you bring each others hearts to birth.

As the ocean finds calm in view of land,
May you love the gaze of each other’s mind.

As the wind arises free and wild,
May nothing negative control your lives.

As kindly as moonlight might search the dark,
So gentle may you be when light grows scarce.

As surprised as the silence that music opens,
May your words for each other be touched with reverence.

As warmly as the air draws in the light,
May you welcome eah other’s every gift.

As elegant as dream absorbing the night,
May sleep find you clear of anger and hurt.

As twilight harvests all the day’s color,
May love bring you home to each other."

Once the ceremony was over we headed next door for a few photos on the modern balcony which had just been constructed. I have included a few photos of this part of the in this post - all in black and white, my favourite way to shoot. 

The wedding party then headed to Peploe's restaurant for something special.

Three months later this wedding still echoes in my mind as very special, a ceremony that will remain fresh in my thoughts for a long time to come.  

Minister: Rev Ann Cannon

Location: National Gallery of Ireland. Contact Sinead Leahy on: 01 6633512

Photographer: Aidan Oliver Photography

Reception: Peploe's Wine Bistro

Margaret and John's BELLINGHAM CASTLE WEDDING

It was Jenny Phelan who initially recommended me as a photographer to Margaret and John (M & J) last year. I had photographed Jenny's wedding the year before - thank you Jenny!. Time sure does fly as a wedding photographer particularly when you relate weddings to years. 

I headed to Balbriggan for the morning bridal preparation photos and it was a fresh November morning with a promise of some sun in the late afternoon - fingers were crossed and batteries were charged. The morning flew as it always does not before Margaret received a beautiful gift of a watch from John. I captured the essence of this busy but calm morning before heading to St Peter and Paul's Church for the ceremony.. The 'congratulations' took place in the hallway of the Church as it was lashing rain and people hugged, shook hands then headed straight for their cars. Margaret was glad of her winter stole I can tell you, and I caught a tearful moment when she hugged a familiar person she knew - there is a story there alone. 

We headed on to Bellingham Castle for the afters, a nice spin up the M1 then take junction 15 off for Castlebellingham. Bellingham is a sister Castle of Cabra Castle and is owned by the Corscadden Family. If you are familiar with both castles then you will know that each castle has an Irish Wolfhound with a name synonymous to each, Bellingham's being Ferdia, Cabra is Oscar. Those dogs have the life indeed. M & J were greeted with champagne, an open fire to warm the bones and I did smell the perfume of mulled wine in the air. I left them there to say hello, thaw out and headed around the castle for a look, so see what was prepared and to capture the little things accordingly. I remember speaking to Patrick Corscadden later telling him that I had my debs in this very place in 1988 and I'll say it again, it looks every part a fantastic place to host the ideal wedding reception. So much space, character, nooks and crannies and the very best service which is key. Both Ciara and Patrick are at the coal face when it comes to setting good standards. I always judge a venue on how they look after the photographer, wouldn't I?. 

We did go outside for a few shots around the grounds, M & J did not mind the cold, and the nearby river Glyde set the stage nicely for some shots around the gardens. Johns uncle provided a great focal point for the bridal party to enjoy a laugh while on the bridge. The fire escape was also used for some off the beat photos - something different as they say. Back inside and I moved around capturing guests, their expressions, animation and the general happiness that encapsulates the archetype wedding. 

Two of my favourite photos of the day were 1) The portrait of Margaret under the arch, and 2) the photo of John with the lads surrounding him, just like a 21st Century (Anno Domino) Don Corleone. I captured the  speeches, left them all to it and headed back to Dublin with a big smile on my face. On the way out I noticed that the signing frame I had created for the couple had been filled out nicely - you just never know what a colourful comment might appear on such a frame, particularly by a character guest, a good few of whom were now sitting down enjoying the banter. 

I was delighted to send M & J the images of their wedding while they were away on honeymoon in Cape Town - they were very much thrilled. Margaret and John, I wish you the very best for your future together. 

Suppliers:

Photography: Aidan Oliver

Videography: Edithouse films

Reception: Bellingham Castle

August Wedding Celebrations IN the Dean Hotel

Think about getting married in Rotterdam, in Great St Lawrence Church - Grote of Sint- Laurenskerk, then the SS Rotterdam for a meal and celebrations. A couple of days later fly back to Ireland to have a celebration for the Irish, and then throw a christening into the mix while you are here?... well that it is exactly what Carl and Kim did in August just gone. Their little fellah Eoin was christened in Shankill earlier that day. 

I was asked to photograph the Irish celebrations part as I photographed Carls brothers (Micks) wedding a few years previously - which was a four day wedding and a magnificent one at that. The venue chosen was The Dean Hotel, Dublin's newest boutique hotel. If you have not been here so far well all I can say it that it is well worth a visit. The bridal suite was full of great music, books, and fabulous decor. Something to see around every corner and an ideal place to get ready for the ensuing party. Photographing the getting ready bit was wonderful, so much to capture, a lot to take in and process, quality problems for my good self as snapper!. I just love the B/W shot of Kim standing in the hallway of her room, right before she sprayed her hair. 

Room shots covered, we headed downstairs for a shot outside as I wanted to capture an image of them both through a passing Luas, to tie it all in with Harcourt Street and the Hotel.

Carl and Kim were well up for a little walk into Stephens Green for a couple of photos on the bridge, as Carl had noted the night before that a certain sliver of light passed through the trees around 19:15. It did bathe a streak of warm evening sunlight on the happy couple just as evening crowds ambled by with kids, shopping, life.

We then went back to the hotel for the celebrations, the dancing and some Dutch style selfies which I could not resist capturing. A little spin up to Sophies for a push on the swings and what about that captioned insect picture frame on the wall, done Irish style? - it was all there. What a thoroughly enjoyable wedding it was to photograph. I wish Carl, Kim and Eoin the very best for their future together.